SulaFest 2019: 12th edition to Feature Shankar Mahadevan

When I visited Nashik exactly 2 months ago to promote Indian Wine Day at the wineries, the wine city was full of rumours that SulaFest would not be held this year and perhaps the focus would shift to Bangalore where the refurbished Heritage Winery producing ‘Kadu’ branded wines from Sula is getting ready for wine tourism at a fast pace.

However, Monit Dhawale, Head of wine tourism and SulaFest had strongly tried to scotch the rumours and confirmed to delWine that SulaFest would be definitely held at Sula Vineyards in Nashik on February 2 and 3, and in fact they were planning to sign up with an Indian Superstar whose name he disclosed reluctantly and under strictest of confidence. He also confirmed that Sula’s Founder and CEO Rajeev Samant would also be seen during the festival.

Shankar Mahadevan

The name has been now disclosed-Shankar Mahadevan, the national iconic music composer is that Indian Super star who will bring his renowned project "My Country My Music"-a colourful journey through the multifaceted worlds of Indian genres & folk music across our rich and diverse country, according to a Release. In addition to providing vocals for the world famous band Shakti which included maestros like Zakir Hussain & John McLaughlin, his sensational trio, 'Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy' (S-E-L) is legendry and has composed over 50 soundtracks across 5 languages. Mahadevan is a national award winning Bollywood music composer who has scored for over 40 films, winning over 20 awards.

Jungle Headline

For the first time in India, the British soul & funk sensation Jungle will regale their followers in India. They will also be singing from their latest album 'For Ever'. They are very popular in the UK Top 10 and have won several other accolades as well and are currently one of the hottest bands on the global touring stage & premiere festival circuit. They are heavily booked globally with back to back concerts.

Curated by Ra Music, there are several other performances, packing both days with enthralling music accompanied by Sula wines and plenty of food that may be purchased against coupons sold separately at the venue. Transportation and traffic jams are generally a problem though and one needs to budget the time accordingly. One hopes special attention is being paid to make it less painful this time, though the problem cannot be completely eliminated with 7-8,000 people descending through one narrow road. Once you are inside, you are assured of a rollicking time.

Sula is keeping the tradition of pitching a globally popular western band on the first day of the Fest, reserving the second day for the Indian stalwarts. Thus Jungle will perform on February 2 while Mahadevan will take the central stage in the amphitheatre on Sunday, February 3.

A big draw this year will be the new beautifully designed Tasting Room with an excellent view of the vast vineyard while sipping a bubbly or tasting a Riesling. An attraction will be the sparkling red Shiraz which has been launched earlier this year and is perhaps the first red bubbly in India. The other usual fixtures like the bazaar, guided tastings and visit to the winery and sufficient eating stalls will ensure to quench your hunger and thirst for food, wine and a few other monikers.

Entry (only) tickets are priced at Rs. 2400 each for Saturday and Sunday and Rs, 4000 for both days. Sessions are from noon-10 pm on both days. For the last 5 years, the event has been sold out. Due to the limited capacity and ever-increasing interest, it is bound to be sold out again this year, especially because of the big-name concerts. Please visit for details. For ticketing, early-bird tickets are available at: bit.ly/SulaFest2019

Book Now for Stay

Several hotels have sprung up in Nashik which are close to the venue. The Source, owned by Sula is the most convenient Resort but unfortunately it is not available normally during these days. Best option is to look for stay at the Regenta Resort at Soma Vine Village (earlier known as Beyond by Sula) and V Resorts, 3 kms further down from the venue. An adventure park close to the venue by Soma Vine Village and swimming pools make your stay complete with the family.

One can also visit wineries of York and Soma(nda) to have a complete vineyard experience. Of course, if you have time, a visit to Grover Zampa and Vallonne on the way in or out (about 25-30 kms before Nashik) would have you visit the complete Wine Route no.1 (the number and the wineries suggested for visit and recommended by delWine on several occasions in the past). 

A range of hotels varying from the most luxurious Taj Gateway (now The Taj) to the Ginger, Ibis and Express Inn for the budget conscious travellers are available within 30-40 minutes or so but one needs to book them now; they are generally all sold out during the Fest. Another interesting option is to rough it out in the Tents at Sula Vineyards that cost from Rs. 2200 a night on Friday night to Rs. 6300 for 3 nights-Friday to Sunday on a per person basis and once can stay close to the vines. Tickets for the festival and the tents can be ordered online at bit.ly/SulaFest2019.

So if you are a wine and music lover anywhere in India or the world (I often recommend people overseas to visit India and the wineries during this time if they also love music).

For a few of the earlier related Articles, please visit:

Soma Vine Village boosting Wine Sales through Tourism

SulaFest 2018: And the Beat Goes on

SulaFest 2017: Smooth and Seamless Show for Music Lovers

SulaFest ready to Rock n Roll for Tenth Year

SulaFest 2016: Another Memorable Feast for Music and Wine Lovers

SulaFest-Truly Fashionable Musical Event of 2015  

Heady Sulafest ‘13 for a Fix of Music, Wine and Fun 

DWC: Celebrating 10th Year in Nashik Vineyards  

Sulafest-Mini Woodstock in Nashik

Subhash Arora

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